Media, PA (AP) - Entering the
final game of their 2010 campaign with a record of 3-6-1, the Rays have
been consistently inconsistent this season. Although the team has shown
flashes of the brilliance that seemed certain to be a hallmark of this
team during spring training, the Rays have yet translate that potential
into a full game this season. But before the national media could pen
another story about the firing of a manager, along came May 27th.
Playing against a backdrop of ominous, threatening clouds it was the
Rays bat rack provided thunder and their agressive base-running that
supplied the lightening. Five, count 'em 5 Rays, pounded out three
hits EACH. Meanwhile, of the other six batters in the lineup, EACH hit
safely tonight. All totaled, the Rays pounded out 23 hits en route to a
solid 13-5 victory over a very game Mets team.
The quintet leading the hit parade included Matt Pennoni, John Francis,
Nick "Trout" Urffer, along with Ty & Shane Kokoska. Francis (triple),
Urffer and Ty Kokoska (doubles) also chipped in with extra base hits of
their own. Of note as well, Bobby Sypher and Mark Stubblebein had two
hits each on the evening.
Well "what about the defense?" you ask. Look no further than Sam
Elfenbein. Elfenbein recorded two infield assists in the bottom of the
2nd inning, thwarting a Met rally. The second of which, required a
difficult off-balance throw from the 3rd base line. But that gem was
outdone only Corey "Fisk" Anderson's play behind the dish. Anderson, a
Continental League rookie, truly seems to be settling in at the right
point in the season. After dazzling at Bat-a-Thon a earlier in the
month, Anderson has been flashing the leather of late. Against the
Mets, Anderson's put-away of a pop-foul helped seal the deal for the
Rays.
As the playoff seedings are finalized over the weekend, only one thing
is certain at this time. Don't sleep on these Rays. This team was
built by management for the playoffs and is peaking at the right time.